Erik Bakich kind of quietly has added a huge piece to Clemson’s 2027 recruiting class.
Caden Borcherding announced a commitment late last week, shortly after taking an official visit.
Borcherding, out of Etowah High School (GA), is widely considered one of the top catching prospects in the country.
“Coach Bakich really emphasized building a culture,” Brocherding told The Clemson Insider. “Centering that around the development and the accountability he wants his team to have. Winning at the highest level, you know he wants to do that.”
Borcherding and his parents spent an entire weekend on campus, allowing them to get a really good grasp on the vision Bakich has for the program.
“He is a great coach, great guy, on and off the field,” he said. “He made it clear that the focus wasn’t just on what I could do for the program, but also on how Clemson can help me grow as a player and person. His message about competing every day and striving for excellence, and being part of something bigger than myself, really stood out to me. That is one of the main reasons I chose Clemson.”
Clemson was Borcherding’s second official visit. The previous weekend, he was in Tuscaloosa visiting Alabama. Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina were all scheduled to get officials, too.
However, after spending a weekend with the Tigers, Borcherding had seen enough. He knew exactly where home was and scrapped the rest of his visits.
“I went to Alabama the week before, but going to Clemson was just on a whole other level,” Borcherding said. “Everything about it was awesome and what I was looking for. My parents were a big part of the decision, as well. They really loved how Bakich rolled as well.”
Perfect Game gives Borcherding a grade of 9.5. He ranks No. 75 overall and as one of the Top 10 catchers in his class. He also ranks No. 3 in the talent-rich state of Georgia.
With that kind of pedigree, it would appear Bakich has found Clemson’s catcher of the future.
“I just felt like home when I got there,” Borcherding said. “I don’t think any of those schools would have been able to compare to Clemson.”
Photo courtesy of Caden Borcherding on IG